Vidalia Student Becomes STC’s Second SkillsUSA National Champion

July 10, 2014 - Allison Fowler became one of only two Southeastern Technical College students in the college’s history to win a gold medal at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference (NLSC), held this year on June 23-27 in Kansas City.

Fowler, an early childhood care and education student from Vidalia, traveled to Kansas City with a group from STC to meet and compete with SkillsUSA’s best and brightest. Over 15,000 attended the event, SkillsUSA’s 50th NLSC, which included more than 6,000 student contestants and over 2,600 SkillsUSA advisors.

“I felt honored to be amongst some of the finest students in the nation, those who share the same passion for teaching as I do,” said Fowler. “The time spent with them during and between competition days was enlightening.”

Fowler’s competition, preschool teaching assistant, was spread over three days. Day one was an interview, day two saw the contestants writing a lesson plan using a topic and materials provided that day and day three was the presentation of that plan and a book reading for a panel of judges.

“I was extremely nervous the entire time,” said Fowler. “I felt that my competitors were knowledgeable and, at times, intimidating.”

Nonetheless, Fowler left the final day of competition feeling confident in, at worst, a top-three finish. On the final night of the conference, she and STC’s SkillsUSA advisors gathered at Kemper Arena—one of the NLSC locations—for the award ceremonies.

“I was lucky to be accompanied by the most supportive and nurturing advisors from STC,” said Fowler. “Allison Barr, Charlotte Mathews, Tina Jernigan and David Standard gave me confidence and boosted my spirit throughout the entire week-long competition.”

Fowler and the advisors hung on every word as the winners for preschool teaching assistant were called. The first name wasn’t Fowler’s. Neither was the second.

“I felt scared,” said Fowler. “I feared that I didn’t place and couldn't imagine myself taking the gold.”

But the third name was hers.

“My advisors screamed and cheered,” said Fowler. “I must admit, tears welled into my eyes as I began my walk to stage. It was one of the most rewarding feelings I have ever felt.”

With this prize under her belt, Fowler is that much closer to realizing her dream and credits Southeastern Tech for a large part of that.

“I cannot even begin to express the deep appreciation I have towards STC for offering me this wonderful opportunity to represent the school and open up doors for my ultimate career goal of becoming an early childhood educator,” said Fowler.

For more information on starting a career in child care, visit www.southeasterntech.edu or call 912-538-3100 or 478-289-2200.